
If you've got a $2 bill in your wallet or drawer, you might be wondering if it's worth anything more than its face value. The truth is, some $2 bills can be worth a pretty penny, especially if they're in good condition and feature a unique serial number.
The key to determining your $2 bill's value lies in its serial number. According to the Federal Reserve, the serial number on the bottom right corner of the bill can indicate its rarity and potential value.
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Checking Value
Bills printed in the 1800s are worth more, with prices ranging from $75 to a couple thousand dollars, according to a U.S. Currency Auctions guide.
A $2 bill's value can also be determined by its serial number, with low serial numbers being particularly valuable, especially if the bill is in pristine condition.
A $2 bill with a very low serial number, such as a number 1 with all zeros, can be extremely valuable, like the one sold for $4,000 in 2022 through Heritage Auctions.
Bills with major errors, like a serial number printed twice, can also sell for a higher price, as seen in listings on the U.S. Currency Auctions website and Heritage Auctions.
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What to Look for

So you're wondering what to look for when checking the value of your 2-dollar bill? Look for the serial number, it's a key factor in determining the bill's worth.
A palindrome serial number, also known as a "radar note", reads the same forward and backward, making it a rare and potentially valuable find.
Repeated numbers in the serial number are also rare and can increase the bill's value.
If your bill has a star in the serial number, it's a replacement bill and may be even more valuable due to its rarity.
Circulation, seal color, and printing year are all important details that can impact the bill's worth.
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What We Found
Some $2 bills are worth more than their face value, but it depends on several factors.
Bills printed in the 1800s are generally worth more, with prices ranging from $75 to a couple thousand dollars.
More recent bills, like those from the 1963 and '53 series, can also be worth a bit more, around $3-4 per note.

A low serial number can add significant value, especially if the bill is in pristine condition.
A $2 bill with a very low serial number, like one with all zeros and a 1 at the end, can be extremely valuable.
In 2022, a $2 bill printed in 2003 with a low serial number sold for $4,000.
Bills with major errors, like a serial number printed twice, can also sell for more.
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Determining Worth
Your $2 bill's worth depends on its age, seal color, and condition. If the seal color is red, brown, or blue and was printed between 1862 and 1917, it could be worth up to $1,000.
The older the bill, the rarer and potentially more valuable it is. Bills printed before 1976, like the 1862 $2 bill, can be worth up to $4,500.
The serial number on the bill's face is also important. If it starts with the number 1 and was printed in 1976, it could be worth more than $20,000.
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A circulated $2 bill, even if it's from the 1800s, may only be worth a few hundred dollars. However, a good condition note will be worth more for collectors than a damaged one.
To get an idea of your bill's value, check the 2-dollar bill value chart below:
The value of your $2 bill can vary greatly depending on its age, seal color, and condition.
Serial Numbers
A serial number on your $2 bill can be a game-changer. If your bill has a serial number that's a palindrome, also known as a "radar note", it may be worth more.
A palindrome is a serial number that reads the same forward and backward. This is a rare occurrence, making it more valuable.
Repeated numbers in the serial number are also a sign of a potentially valuable bill. If the numbers repeat, it's a rare occurrence that can increase the bill's value.
A star in the serial number indicates a replacement bill, which can be much rarer and more valuable.
Here are some examples of potentially valuable serial numbers:
- Palindromes (e.g. "12321")
- Repeated numbers (e.g. "11111")
- Star (e.g. "1234*")
History and Rarity
The $2 bill has a rich and fascinating history that's worth exploring. The first $2 bill was introduced in 1862, and since then, there have been six different types created.
Older $2 bills, known as large notes, are quite rare and can be valuable. These notes measure about 7.42 by 3.1 inches and are often referred to as "horse blankets" due to their size.
The value of a $2 bill can vary greatly depending on its age, condition, and rarity. For example, the 1862 $2 bill can be worth anywhere from $500 to $1,800 in circulated condition.
The 1860s saw limits on the number of $1 and $2 notes that banks could issue, due to fears that small-denomination notes were causing inflation. This limited the supply of $2 bills and made them even more rare.
A chart compiled by USA Currency Auctions provides a quick-reference guide to determining the value of $2 bills based on date, seal color, and condition. Here's a breakdown of the values for some of the oldest $2 bills:
These values demonstrate just how valuable some of the older $2 bills can be.
Is Your $2 Bill Worth Thousands?
Your $2 bill might be worth thousands, but it's not as easy as checking the mint date. The number of bills in circulation, year, and seal color could all impact the value of your bill.
Bills printed between 1862 and 1917 with red, brown, or blue seals could be worth up to $1,000. This is because they're considered rare and valuable due to their age.
Older bills are usually considered rarer, and the condition of the bill is also a major factor. A good condition note will be worth more for collectors than a damaged one.
Some bills, like those with serial numbers starting with the number 1 and printed in 1976, could be worth more than $20,000. This is because they're considered rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Other serial numbers that interest collectors are "solid" or "ladder" serial numbers, where all the digits are the same or in ascending order. However, it's worth noting that Americans tend to hold onto $2 bills as mementos, rather than circulating them, which can make them less valuable.
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Here's a rough guide to help you estimate the value of your $2 bill based on its year, seal color, and condition:
Keep in mind that this is just a rough guide, and the actual value of your $2 bill could be higher or lower depending on various factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can you sell a 1976 $2 bill for?
A 1976 $2 bill is only worth its face value, $2, unless it has an error, unique serial number, or misprint, which can increase its value to over $500.
Sources
- https://www.businessinsider.com/old-two-dollar-bills-2-worth-currency-2023-11
- https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/antiques-collectibles/how-determine-2-dollar-bill-values
- https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/verify/money-verify/yes-some-2-bills-are-worth-more-money/536-2734c048-b77d-41b7-9cf2-ea6091e7bfb9
- https://wgntv.com/news/trending/is-your-2-bill-worth-thousands-how-to-tell/
- https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/how-to-tell-if-your-2-bill-is-actually-worth-thousands/3274208/
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